Lake City Council hears second readings of ordinances

Tuesday, June 27, 2017

Lake City Council voted for Clerk Linda Simpson to read three ordinances by title only for a second reading at the June 19 meeting.

The ordinances pertained to: allowing purchase of real estate and to borrow funds; accepting certain property as an extension of Cobean Boulevard; amending an ordinance (lawn maintenance) by providing for an increase in fines and civil penalties.

Mayor Jon Milligan asked the council to take no action on the stray animal ordinance. He said while attending an animal control meeting in Little Rock at the Arkansas Municipal League meeting the topic of stray animals was discussed. Mayor Milligan said Arkansas Law 20-19-302 states, “If you feed it you own it.” Residents should be aware of this state law.

Following a lengthy discussion, the council tabled Ordinance 2017-192, an ordinance amending 2008-231, Sec. 1, to permit raising of chickens and rabbits by limiting the number and for other restrictions and amending the penalties for violations. The ordinance will be returned to the city attorney to remove rabbits from the ordinance.

The board voted unanimously in favor of reappointing Jerry Freeman to the Lake City Housing Authority board of commissioners.

Mayor Milligan presented the council with a list of area cities police departments, detailing police chief salary, years and vacation. Alderman Toby Rand made a motion to raise the vacation time for police officers to four weeks after 15 years. The motion failed for lack of a second.

Alderman George made a motion to table the police vacation request until the council could gather more information on the benefits of city employees and the police department benefits which are state mandated.

The City Clerk agreed to have the information for the council at the next meeting.

Mayor Milligan asked the council to enter into an agreement with the city of Jonesboro to accept community service workers from the court system. The council voted unanimously in favor of the agreement.

Mayor Milligan informed the council the city had been approved by the state for paving of 4th Street from Catfish to Hickory. He asked the council to approve bidding on Hickory Street running south. The council voted unanimously to take the bids.

Alderman Dunigan complimented everyone who was involved with the Springfest.

City employee Cameron Tate addressed the council requesting an increase on the amount of sick days employees can carry over in their individual sick bank. At the present time the total is 30 days. After a discussion, the council unanimously agreed to increase the number to 60 days.

The next city council meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. Monday, July 17, at city hall.